Top Ten Hikes in the Lake District: Helvellyn

Helvellyn via Striding Edge and the Travellers Rest, Grasmere

This demanding route is not for the faint of heart. Striding Edge is one of the most famous Grade 1 scrambles in the UK, leading to the summit of Helvellyn in the Lake District. It’s a narrow, exposed ridge with dramatic drops on either side, requiring confident footwork and a head for heights. The route involves some scrambling over rocks, particularly near the crest and during the final ascent to Helvellyn. 

Striding Edge offers stunning views of the surrounding fells and Red Tarn below, making it a thrilling and rewarding challenge for adventurous and experienced hikers. The climb begins steadily, gaining elevation as you approach the base via Mires Beck to Birkhouse Moor, marking the most challenging part of the hike. 

Pause at Hole-in-the-Wall, a distinctive gap in a dry stone wall marking a popular rest point for hikers, before continuing onto the exposed Striding Edge ridge. The views along the ridge are simply breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas over Red Tarn, Dove Crag and the surrounding peaks. This area requires very careful navigation, hands-on scrambling and includes a tricky 7-metre downwards climb. 

After reaching the summit of Helvellyn, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and soak up the spectacular views. You can often see as far as Scafell Pike to the south and the Solway Firth to the north. It’s a wonderful opportunity to rest, recover and relish in the beauty of the Lakes, before continuing to Lower Man. 

The descent leads through Whiteside, Raise and Sticks Pass, where the path steepens again. Head straight to The Travellers Rest, an original sixteenth century coaching inn, to quench your thirst and hunger with award-winning Cumbrian fare.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Famous: A popular walk in the Lake District, complete with dramatic ridge views
• Striding Edge Ridge: One of the most iconic ridgelines in the UK, featuring exposed sections, thrilling scrambles, and dramatic drops on both sides
• Helvellyn’s summit: Once you reach the top, the views are breathtaking (especially on a clear day)
• Challenging Scrambles: Sections like the 7-metre downwards climb require careful technique and concentration, adding excitement for experienced hiker

KEY INFORMATION:

• Distance: 8 miles
• Walking time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
• Difficulty: Expert
• Starting point: Glenridding
• Pub:Travellers Rest ///automatic.dinosaur.pastels
• AllTrails: Route link